Distribution manifold for mobile span-and-tower irrigation systems

ABSTRACT

A field planting system for use in conjunction with large span and wheel tower irrigation apparatus to place seed in a field across a number of rows simultaneously. Seed is suspended uniformly in a gel solution and injected into a stream of carrier water. The seeds, suspended in water, travel in piping separate from irrigation piping to a manifold suspended from the overhead span section. Each manifold distributes seed and carrier water to a plurality of drop tubes. A tube valve located in each drop tube is closed to permit the manifold to be charged with seeds and water under pressure. Once the manifold is charged, the tube valves open simultaneously and the water and seed discharges from the manifold through drop tubes to a planting shoe. The planting shoe includes a forward nozzle to emit a high pressure stream of water to excavate a small trench or furrow into which the seed is dispensed. A perforated metal tube angling rearwardly from the drop tube dissipates the energy of the carrier water to assure that the seed is not washed from the trench. A trench closer trails the planting shoe to push some of the dislodged soil over the seed and cover the furrow.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO COPENDING APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional of copending application Ser. No. 150,776 filed onFeb. 1, 1988.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hydraulic seed planter for a fieldplanting system using large span and wheeled tower irrigation systems.More particularly, the invention provides apparatus which pre-germinatesor primes seed, injects seed into a pressurized pipe transporting astream of carrier water, distributes the seed and the carrier water to aplurality of manifolds each of which may be isolated from the supplypipe, and controls planting of the seeds from a manifold through aplanting shoe which opens a furrow, places the seed in the furrow, andcloses the furrow.

Planting of crop seed currently is limited primarily to tractor mountedor tractor drawn planters, which incorporate numerous types of seedmetering systems. There are some crops which are seeded by airplane, butthese are primarily limited to close seeded grain and cereal crops.Broadcast seeding through a ground applied fertilizer suspension hasbeen attempted with varying degrees of success. Under development by theUniversity of Georgia at Tifton, Ga. and Valmont Industries at Valley,Nebr. are seedagation systems in which seed is distributed through themain irrigation pipeline or an auxiliary pipeline and applied throughlarge impact sprinklers. This may be considered a form of broadcastapplication with the seed remaining on the soil surface.

Various components of seed planting and irrigation systems have beendescribed before. U.S. Pat. No. 4,300,461 issued to Hodge, et al.describes a seed planter which has a fluid injection soil opener. A seedapplicator moves along the ground, and high pressure water dischargedfrom a plurality of nozzles spaced along the applicator cuts narrowgrooves in the ground. The seed is blown by air into the somewhat fluidsoil. This device however, does not provide for covering the seed placedin the groove; instead, it relies on subsequent watering or rainfall toerode the grooves into themselves and effectively cover the seed.

It has further been known to use a liquid gel suspension to carry seedsfrom a storage container through a tube and into a furrow. U.S. Pat. No.4,224,882 issued to Cruse describes an apparatus for sowing seeds in aliquid suspension. A peristaltic pump supplies the suspension to afurrow cut by a v-shaped coulter. The reference explains that theperistaltic pump does not damage seeds. However, it appears that theoutput performance of such a pump is influenced drastically by thepressure against which it pumps. For large span and wheeled towerplanting systems, this type of pump and medium for carrying seed wouldnot be practical Pressure differentials over these extended lengthswould not permit uniform seed distribution along the planter.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,315,380 issued to Davidson describes a method ofprocessing seeds or cereal to accelerate the natural germination of theseed. The seeds, steeped in water, are oxygenated in a temperaturecontrolled container to pregerminate and/or store the seeds forplanting.

As noted above, use of a liquid gel suspension has been used to meterseed into a furrow. Electronic metering devices described in U.S. Pat.No. 3,912,121 issued to Steffen and U.S. Pat. No. 4,333,096 issued toJenkins et al., use electronic controls and microprocessors for tractordrawn seeding operations. These devices monitor and control the seedingrate. Jenkins '096 describes a dispensing mechanism which periodicallydispenses seed through a chute into a furrow. A seed sensor provides anelectronic signal to the monitor each time seed drops through the chute.A microprocessor counts the number of seeds planted in each row andalerts the operator if a stoppage occurs or if an excessive number ofseed are being planted.

Steffen '121 describes an apparatus to control and maintain apreselected density of population of seeds delivered from a hopper by aseed dispensing mechanism to the furrows. The microprocessor controlsthe seed dispensing mechanism to increase, decrease, or hold constantthe number of seeds dispensed, depending upon the number dispensed, thedistance traveled, and the distance between rows.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,192,388 issued to Goebel describes disks to close rutscaused by the wheels of a center pivot or linear irrigation systemrunning in wet soil. This reference describes the significant problem ofoperating heavy equipment through crop fields. Ruts are opened and cropsare disturbed or damaged. Also the necessity to run a variety oftractor-drawn farm equipment through a field--i.e., tractors to plow andprepare fields, tractors to pull planters and plant seeds, tractors forcultivation and harvesting--all contribute to soil compaction, damage tocrops and excess energy consumption. It is desirable to minimize thenumber of farm implements which must be used to farm land.

Mobile irrigation systems, which span across the crop field and whichmove through the field in either a linear or pivotal motion, offer thepotential to reduce tractor-drawn operations by performing otherfunctions in addition to irrigation. The framework of these large pipespan-and-tower systems provides a platform on which to install equipmentto carry out additional farming operations. Precise chemical applicationfor weed control from such an irrigation system, for example, caneliminate or reduce the need for the tractor-drawn plowing andcultivating operations. One such span-and-tower system is amultifunction irrigation system (MFIS) recently developed by The TexasA&M University System at the Agricultural Research & Extension Center inLubbock, Tex. The A & M irrigation system provides uniform movement ofthe span-and-tower structure through a field and permits preciseapplication of water and chemicals to the field and crops.

The A & M multifunction irrigation system incorporates two independentdynamic nozzle systems for precise water and chemical application. Oneset of nozzles is designated for water application through whichchemicals may also be injected. The second nozzle system is exclusivelyfor chemical injection. Many of the functions of the irrigation systeminclude chemical application for the express purpose of reducing plantwater stress by decreasing water loss from the soil and plants afterirrigation. It further has the capability of precision application ofother agricultural chemicals for the reduction of environmental stresson the plant, making it possible to reduce the need for tractors andother spraying equipment in the field after planting. Such amultifunction system provides the pipe span and wheeled tower structureto support a planting system of supply pipes, manifolds, drop tubes, andplanting shoes as contemplated in the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention enables a typical span and tower irrigation systemto perform an additional function, planting, through an apparatus whichaccurately places crop seed in a plurality of rows simultaneously. Theapparatus is particularly adapted for use on large mobile span and towerirrigation systems and especially on, but not limited to, themulti-function irrigation apparatus developed by The Texas A & MUniversity. In one aspect, the invention provides a tank or otherapparatus to house a supply of seed for travelling with the irrigationsystem through a crop field. In another aspect, the invention meters theseed into a pressurized stream of water (separate from the mainirrigation stream of water) which carries the seed along the spansections to the planting manifolds. In a preferred form, the metering isdone by dual cylinders which alternately fill with seed from the seedstorage housing and discharge seed into the carrier fluid.

The planting manifolds of the present invention are supported along thespan sections. Depending from each manifold is a plurality of droptubes, each of which terminates near the ground in a planting shoe.Extending upwardly from the manifold is a plurality of accumulators.Preferably, one accumulator is associated with each drop tube. The upperend of each drop tube preferably connects to its respective manifoldthrough a tubular diaphragm valve. The tube valves along a givenmanifold are preferably opened and closed in unison using a controllablesupply of pressurized air.

Each manifold connects to the pressurized supply of seed and carrierwater through a manifold recharge pipe. Communication from the carrierpipe into the manifold is controlled by a recharge valve. Closing therecharge valve seals or isolates the manifold from the supply of seedand water. Closing the tube valves on a manifold seals the manifold fromits depending drop tubes. Opening the manifold recharge valve permitswater carrying a predetermined amount of seed to enter and to charge themanifold. The manifold valve closes when the manifold is rechargedfully. The manifold, filled with seed and water, may thus be isolatedfrom the pressurized carrier water and seed supply pipe and from itsseed planting drop tubes.

The capability to isolate the seed-planting manifolds from thepressurized supply pipe provides for uniform planting of seed. Many pipespans connect together between wheeled towers, to form a typical, long,chain-like pipe span-and-tower system. Seed and water discharge from themanifolds is not affected by the recharge cycle because the manifoldsclose the supply pipe from the planting drop tubes which are open to theatmosphere while discharging. Charging a manifold takes a brief periodof time, depending on the carrier water pressure. Substantial uniformityof pressure and separately controllable recharge/discharge times promoteuniform distribution of seed to each manifold along the span-and-towersystem and also promotes uniform distribution of planted seed in thefield.

After the manifold recharge valve closes, the water and seed in themanifold stop moving and stabilize. The manifold controller vents thepressurized air to briefly stop the supply of air to the tube valves onthe manifold. The tube valves simultaneously open and the manifold isthen open to the atmosphere. The supply of water in the manifolddischarges through the tube valves and down the drop tubes to theplanting shoes. The water washes the seed from the manifold through thedrop tubes to the planter shoes. The air is switched on by thecontroller, and the tube valves close in unison to again isolate themanifold. The cycle of recharging the manifold, isolating the manifold,and discharging the manifold continues for each manifold along the spansas the span-and-tower structure moves through the field.

The seed transferred from the supply tank to the stream of carrier wateris uniformly suspended in a gel. Further, when the gel is metered intothe supply of carrier water, the seed is uniformly distributed in thecarrier water.

The invention in a preferred form provides a dual cylinder pump toinject the seed suspension into the carrier water. Both cylindersconnect to the seed supply tank and to the carrier water supply pipe.One cylinder fills with the seed and gel suspension, while the othercylinder discharges its supply of suspended seed and gel into thepressurized carrier water Appropriate alternating valves open and closeto direct the flow of seed and gel into and from the cylinders.

The planting system of the present invention further provides agermination facility which is normally separate from the plantingapparatus. This facility includes a gel mixing tank in which to preparethe aqueous gel. It also includes a separate gel and seed mixing tankused to pregerminate or to prime the crop seed before mixing the seedwith the gel. Preplant priming of crop seed or pregermination of cropseed eliminates or greatly reduces many emergence and standestablishment problems

The present invention normally includes a mobile seed transport andinjection unit mounted on a trailer which connects to and is pulled by acontrol platform on the pipe span-and-tower system. The trailertransports seed primed or pregerminated (if appropriate) from thegermination facility. Apparatus on the trailer then functions to meterthe seed from the supply tank and to inject the seed into the carrierpipe of the planting system. The mobile transport and injection unitnormally includes the positive displacement dual cylinder injectionapparatus with which to remove seed from the holding tank and to meterit accurately into the pressurized supply of carrier water.

A pressurized stream of water flows through the supply pipe to carry theseed along the chain-like system to distribution manifolds suspendedfrom the span sections between towers. Each span section may supportmore than one manifold. In a preferred embodiment, each span section hastwo manifolds and each manifold distributes seed to 16 furrows throughdrop tubes depending from the manifold towards the ground.

Each manifold of the invention includes the drop tubes which convey theseed and water from the manifold to the ground. Attached to the bottomof each drop tube is the planting unit which includes an angledperforated tube, a planting shoe, and a furrow closer. Each drop tubeincludes an associated separate water supply tube which connects to asupply pipe on the span structure. Each water supply tube hangs from themanifold and is secured parallel to its associated drop tube. The watersupply tube terminates at its distal end above the ground with a solidstream spray nozzle which is supported at the connection of the droptube and the perforated tube.

A manifold connector communicates water and seed to each manifold fromthe water and seed supply pipe supported in the overhead span betweenthe towers. A valve between the connector and the seed/water supply pipeopens to permit water and seed to enter the manifold. Air filled storagetanks called accumulators are connected to the horizontal pipe of themanifold, and these accumulators extend above the horizontal manifoldpipe. There is normally one accumulator for each drop tube in themanifold. During the recharge of the manifold, the tube valve at theupper end of each drop tube is closed. Opening the connector valveenables water and seed from the supply pipe to enter the manifold. Theseed travels down through the connector which preferably has a series ofoffset horizontal ledges or baffles in the two foot connector pipe. Theledges and the turbulent flow of water through the pipe help to keep theseed evenly distributed in the water and to prevent the seed fromaccumulating in the elbow connector to the horizontal manifold pipe.Water is carried into the accumulators and pressurizes the air insideeach accumulator. The seed is substantially uniformly distributed alongthe horizontal manifold pipe.

When a manifold inlet valve is closed, a short delay allows the manifoldto stabilize, i.e., the water to stop moving and the seeds to begin tosettle. The air pressure on the tube valves is released and a collapsedlatex tube within each tube valve opens. The water under pressure in theaccumulators discharges through the horizontal manifold pipe and intothe drop tubes. This flushes the seeds from the horizontal pipe throughthe tube valves and down the drop tubes. Simultaneously, water channelsthrough the water supply tubes and through the trenching nozzles underrelatively high pressure to dig trenches or open the furrows in theground. The water carrying the seed enters the perforated angled tubewhich breaks the force of the falling water. The water sprays or dripsfrom the perforated tube and the seed falls down the tube, past the shoeand into the furrow. The shoe is pulled along the opened furrow to firmand widen the furrow. An angled trench closer connected to the shoepushes some of the soil dislodged by the spray nozzle back into thefurrow to close the furrow.

This addition of planting capability to a span and tower irrigationsystem has the potential to significantly impact current farmingpractices, crop yields, and water conservation. It is contemplated thatthe accurate placing of primed or pregerminated seed into the stubble ofa previous crop and simultaneous covering of the seed with anevaporation suppressant or aqueous gel and adequate water forgermination and growth, will eliminate or greatly reduce emergence andstand establishment problems. It is also contemplated that significantcrop yield increases can result from a substantially tractor-free andthus compaction-free field, protected by standing stubble. Stubble,together with the possible use of various soil surface control agents orevaporation suppressants, provides lower evapotransporation of waterfrom the plants and from the soil than do other methods such as a plowedcleared field. A primary advantage of the present invention, therefore,is the capability for total no-till farming from the planting of a cropseed to irrigation and fertilizing by a span and tower-type systemmoving at a uniform rate through a field. Thus, water and agriculturalchemical inputs such as herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers, may beapplied to crop plants more accurately and timely than is possible withexisting methods and apparatus.

In particular, the planting system of the present invention providescontrolled seed distribution across rows on a large scale. The seed isdistributed through manifolds suspended from overhead span sections. Themanifolds recharge, isolate, and discharge in sequence along thespan-and-tower structure under microprocessor control. The seed issuspended in a gel to meter the seed uniformly into a carrier water andthus into the field. A positive displacement injection system,nondestructive to pregerminated seed, injects a controllable amount ofseed into the supply of carrier water. Due to its positive displacementcharacteristics, the injection system is not sensitive to back pressure.The seed distribution manifolds utilize accumulators to receive andpressurize the water carrying the seed for planting. The use of theaccumulators enables separate intervals for recharging the manifold anddischarging the manifold, while providing controlled pressurizeddischarge of the water and seed through drop tubes to a furrow excavatedby a high pressure stream of water from a nozzle adjacent to the lowerend of the drop tube. Each drop tube includes a nondestructive,air-actuated tube metering valve. The valves, operated in unison providefor isolation and pressurization of the manifold distribution system.Finally, each hydraulic planting unit, itself located at the lower endof the drop tube, excavates a furrow in the ground, dissipates theenergy of the seed carrying water so that the planted seed is not washedfrom the furrow by the very water carrying the seed to the furrow,places the seed in the moist furrow, and covers the seed with moistdislodged soil to allow optimum germination and emergence.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects and advantages of the present invention will become furtherapparent upon reading the following detailed description and uponreference to the following drawings, in which like elements have likeidentifiers.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an overall planting system of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1A is an orthographic view of a seed planter system similar to thatshown in FIG. 1 mounted to a typical mobile span and wheeled towerirrigation system.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the gel mixing tank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of a combination germinator and seed-gelmixing tank of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of the seed injection trailer of FIG. 1which is connected to the control platform of the span and towerirrigation system.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section, schematic view of a dual cylinder seed/gelinjector of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a detailed illustration of the rack-and-pinion gear whichraises and lowers the piston in the seed/gel injector cylinders asillustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the dual cylinder injector illustrated in FIG.5.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the valve tree and tubing to connect the dualcylinders to a supply of seed and gel and to dispense seed and gel fromthe dual cylinders.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an injection pump depicting operationof the dual cylinder.

FIG. 9 is an orthographic view of a control platform and connections tothe trailer.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a seed and water distribution manifoldsupported by a span section of the irrigation system.

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of a manifold recharge connector of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 is a detailed illustration of a distribution manifold.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a planter drop tube and planting unit ofthe present invention.

FIG. 14A is an orthographic view of a portion of the planter unitmanifold with a pair of associated seed drop tubes and accumulators.

FIG. 14B is an orthographic view of a planting unit of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 is a detailed side view of a planter unit of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 is a detailed, exploded illustration of a tube valve forcontrolling discharge of seed and water through the planter drop tubes.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a hydraulic planter shoe of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a hydraulic planter shoe of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a trench closer of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a top view of the trench closer of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a partially cutaway top view illustrating the connectionbetween the planter shoe of FIG. 17 and the trench closer of FIG. 19 ofthe present invention.

FIG. 22 is an end view of the trench closer of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the planter unitwhich connects at the lower end of a drop tube illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 24 is a top view of the alternate embodiment of the planter shoeillustrated in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a alternate embodiment of the drop tube of the presentinvention with an alternate planter shoe disposed at the lower end ofthe drop tube.

FIG. 26 is a detailed side view of an alternate planter shoe for usepreferably with the drop tube illustrated in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a top view of the planter shoe illustrated in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a detailed side view of the alternate planter shoeillustrated with the drop tube of FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 is a top view of the planter shoe illustrated in FIG. 28.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Components and preferred embodiments of the invention will be describedwith specific reference to the drawings briefly described above.

The present invention provides a system for use in a field to plantseeds in a number of furrows across the field simultaneously.Preferably, the seeds are planted a predetermined distance apart in eachfurrow. The present invention also provides a system to pre-germinateseeds prior to planting. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram which illustratesthe overall planting system of the present invention. Broadly, thepresent invention has three functional areas: a germination facility 10,a seed transport and injection unit 12, and a seed distribution systemor planter 14 attached to a span and tower mobile structure. Thegerminating facility 10 includes a gel mixing tank 17 which has a drygel inlet 19 and a water inlet 21. A gel outlet 24 connects to a pump27. The germination facility 10 also includes a germination tank 30 andan air compressor 31. The tank 30 has a gel inlet 33, a water connection36, a port 39 for introducing seed into the tank 30 and a port 40 forcompressed air. The germination tank 30 also includes a water pump 42 towhich is connected a water recirculation outlet 45 from the tank 30 anda water recirculation inlet 48. An outlet 51 in the germination tank 30permits removal of germinated seed. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet33 used to add gel to the tank 30 may be used as an outlet for removingthe seed and gel mixture instead of having a separate port 51.

The seed/gel injector trailer 12 includes a seed and gel holding tank 64and a two cylinder injection pump 67. A controller 70 for the injectionunit is installed on the trailer 12 together with a water pump 73 and anair compressor 76.

The tower and span planter 14 includes a control platform 82 and aplurality of span sections 85. The ends of the span sections aresupported by wheeled towers (not illustrated). The control platform 82supports a microprocessor controller 91. A booster pump 93 mounted onthe platform 82 connects to a pressurized source of water 94. Thecontrol platform 82 and each span section 85 includes an electricalcontrol cable or conduit 96, a pressurized air supply tube 99, a watersupply pipe 102, and a water and seed mixture supply pipe 105. Theschematic of the preferred embodiment illustrates that each span 85preferably supports two planter manifolds 108 and 111.

The orthographic view in FIG. 1A illustrates the components of the seedtransfer and injection unit 12 joined to a typical mobilespan-and-wheeled tower irrigation system 14. This embodiment illustratesbut one manifold between the wheeled towers 88. Without showing muchdetail, each span section 85 supports the various conduit and tubes forthe electrical controls, for the supply of pressurized air, for thesupply of pressurized water, and for the supply of the water and seedmixture. The seed transfer and injection unit 12 preferably is a wheeledtrailer which couples to the control platform 82. Supported on the seedtransfer unit 12 is the seed and gel holding tank 64, the dual cylinderinjector 67, and the air compressor 76. Depending from the span 85 are aplurality of paired hydraulic trencher water supply lines and planterdrop tubes 90.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the germination facility 10 has the separatecylindrical gel mixing tank 17. The tank 17 includes the inlet 19 fordry gel, the water inlet 21 which is connected to a source of water, adrain pipe 121 and a valve 123. The gel outlet 24 connects to the gelpump 27. A recirculation pipe 125 connects to two mixing nozzles 127inside the tank 17. A valve 128 and a valve 129 on the discharge side ofthe pump 27 cooperate to direct the mixed gel from the tank 17 back intothe tank 17 through the recirculating pipe 125 or to the seed and gelmixing tank 30 through a pipe 131.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the combination germinator andseed/gel mixing tank 30. A tank stand 141 forms a frame to surround andsupport the germinator tank 30. The tank 30 preferably has a cone bottom144 and a dome cover 147, and rests on a plurality of support members148 connected to the frame 141. The dome 147 has a removable cap 150which may be closed to form an airtight seal for the tank 30. Verticallydisposed along the longitudinal axis of the tank 30 is a hollow shaft153. The shaft 153 is supported in the tank stand 141 by an upper set ofbearings 156 and a lower set of bearings 157. The bearings 156 and 157connect to members of the frame 141. The shaft 153 passes through anairtight seal 160 in the dome 147. The lower end of the shaft 153 has acap 163; the side walls of the shaft 153 adjacent to the cap 163 haveopen apertures 166. A lower mixing paddle 169 communicates with theapertures 166 and has a plurality of vents 172 disposed along theupwardly angled paddle arms 169. Other mixing paddles such as the teemixing paddle 175 and the mixing paddle 178 are vertically spaced andare rigidly bolted to the hollow shaft 153. A plurality of spray nozzles181 are supported from the dome 147 and connect through a pipe 183 to awater pump 222. Mounted to the upper section of the tank stand 141 is apaddle drive motor 186. The motor 186 has a drive gear 189 whichconnects by a chain 192 to a gear 195 mounted to the hollow shaft 153.The upper end 196 of the hollow shaft 153 couples to the air compressor31 or other source of pressurized air or oxygen.

Located at the bottom of the tank 30 is a drain pipe 201 which includesa butterfly screen valve 202. A tee connector 204 connects the drainpipe 201 to a germination water supply tank 207 through a return pipe209. The return pipe 209 includes a ball valve 211. The pipe 201 furtherconnects to a second tee connection 213. That tee connector 213 also hasa ball valve 215. The tee connector 213 joins the gel supply pipe 131from the gel mixing tank 17 with the seed/gel supply pipe 217. A valve218 is disposed in the gel supply pipe 131 and a valve 219 is disposedin the seed/gel supply pipe 217.

The water supply for the germination tank 30 includes a water pump 222and a supply pipe 225 which connects to the pipe 183. A control box 228includes switches for operating the paddle drive motor 186 and the waterpump 222. It also controls the time intervals for intermittent spraygermination.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the seed transport and injection unit 12. Apreferred embodiment uses a trailer for the unit 12. The trailer 12 haswheels 229, and a coupling 230 connects the trailer to the controlplatform 82. Mounted on the trailer 12 is the air compressor 76, theseed and gel holding tank 64, the two cylinder injection pump 67, theelectronic injection controller 70, a transformer 231 and a water pumpand motor 73. The electronic controller 70 connects to a 480 volt powersource 232a through a transformer 231 and to a 120 volt power source232b. The seed transport and injector unit 12 also includes a watersupply line 233 which connects to the pump 73. On the output side of thepump 73 is a pressure regulator 236, a water meter 239, a one-way valve242 and the seed and water supply pipe 105. A tee connection 245 extendsfrom the injection pump 67, and the valves 248 and 249 are positioned oneither side of the tee connection 245. A pipe 252 connects one side ofthe tee 245 to the water and seed pipe 105, while another pipe 255provides a return to the seed and gel tank 64. The supply of compressedair 99 passes through two sets of an oiler 261, a pressure regulator264, and a filter 267, which are in-line on parallel outlets on thesides of the air compressor 76. One supply line operates the outletmanifold tube valves on the planting unit, while the other supply lineoperates the valves for the injection pump 67.

The two-cylinder injection pump 67 of the present invention isillustrated in cross section in FIG. 5. The pump 67 includes twocylinders 271 and 273. Components of the cylinders are identical, andthe following discussion refers to identified components of the cylinder273. Where appropriate, the components of the cylinder 271 will have asuffix "a" with the component identifier. Each of the cylinders 271 and273 includes a piston 276 connected to the lower end of a rack 279 by amount 281. An opposing seal 283 seals the piston against the cylinder273. A vent valve 284 connects to the flange 285 of the mount 281. Thevent valve 284 communicates with a bore 287 through the piston 276.

The cylinders 271 and 273 mount between a lower mounting frame 290 andan upper mounting frame 292. Tie rods 294 arranged circumferentiallyaround the cylinders 271 and 273 couple the upper mounting frame 292with the lower mounting frame 290. Connected to the upper mounting frame292 are pillow block bearings 295 which support a shaft 296. A piniongear 299 connects to the shaft and engages the teeth of the rack 279. Arack guide mount 301 supports a side sway guide bearing 303. Secured tothe upper mounting frame is a limit switch 305. A limit stop 307connects to the lower end of the rack 279. The top of the cylinders 271and 273 are closed, and the bottom of each cylinder is open to aseparate seed and gel port 309. A sprocket 311 is securely fastened tothe shaft 296 midway between its ends.

Turning now to FIG. 6, there is shown a top view of the dual cylinderseed/gel injector pump 67. A variable speed DC motor 313 is supported onthe upper mounting frame 292. A sprocket 315 driven by the motor 313turns a chain 316 which engages the sprocket 311. As illustrated in FIG.6, the rack 279 for the cylinder 273 is on an opposite side of the shaft296 and pinion gear 299 than is the rack 279a for the cylinder 271. Asupport bar 318 rigidly connects the pillow block bearings 295 withupper mounting frame 292.

FIG. 5A is a side view of the engagement of the rack 279a with thepinion 299a. A back roller 319 supports the rack 279a. The back roller319 rotates around a pin 320 through the rack guide mount 301.

Turning now to FIG. 7, horizontally disposed beneath the injector pump67 is the seed/gel injection pipes and valves 321. A seed/gel inlet port323 connects to parallel branches 324 and communicates through a pipe,not illustrated, with the seed and gel supply tank 64. The branches 324rejoin to form a seed/gel outlet port 326 which connects to the pipe252. An aperture 327 in the upper face of each of the branches 324connects with the seed/gel port 309 from each of the cylinders 271 and273. An input control valve 328 is placed in each branch 324 between theaperture 327 and the inlet port 323. An outlet valve 329 is placed ineach branch 324 between the aperture 327 and the seed/gel outlet port326. A double acting air cylinder 330 couples the piston arm 332 of theair cylinder 330 to the arm 331 of each valve 328 and 329. A coupler ormounting bracket 333 attaches the cylinder 330 to the branch 324 andsupports the air cylinder 330. Similar air cylinders 330 and 330a aremounted on the branch tubes 324 and connect to the valve arms 331 and331a of the valves 328a, 329, and 329a.

FIG. 9 illustrates the connection points on control platform 82 whichconnect with the mobile seed/gel injector unit 12 (the latter shown inFIG. 4). A trailer hitch 350 locks to the coupling 230 of the trailer 12illustrated in FIG. 4. Mounted on the control platform 82 is the boosterpump 93 and the microprocessor controller 91. The main water pipe 353 ofthe base irrigation system is secured by support frame members 356 overthe control platform 82; and the pipe 353 extends out to the spans 85perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the control platform 82. Awater tube 359 branches from the water pipe 353, and through a tee 352couples to the water supply line 233 for the seed and gel trailer 12. Afilter 355 may be placed in the water line 359. The water line 359 alsoconnects to the booster pump 93 which discharges pressurized water intothe water line 102. The pressure of water flowing from the pump 93 maybe controlled by a regulator 362 and monitored on a gauge 364. The line102 extends parallel to the irrigation supply pipe 353 along the spansections 85 of the tower and span planter 14. The control platform 82also carries the water and seed line 105 and the compressed air line 99,both of which extend parallel to the water supply pipe 102 on the towerand span planter 14. The connections 232a and 232b supply electricalpower to the injection trailer 12.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the control and fluid flow lines for aplurality of drop tube planters suspended from a span section 85 of thespan and tower planter 14. The span sections 85 between the elevatedtowers support the control signal conduit 96, the air line 99, the watersupply pipe 102 and the seed and water supply line 105. The air line 99and control signal conduit 96 communicate between a distribution controlpanel 91 on the control platform 82 and a manifold subsystem control box373. A seed and water manifold 372 supplies the seed and carrier waterto a plurality of hydraulic planter units 374. Each drop tube planterincludes an accumulator 380, a tube valve 382, a planter drop tube 384,an hydraulic planter unit 374 and an hydraulic trencher supply line 386.Disposed between the seed and water supply line 105 and the manifold 372is a manifold recharge connector 377.

Turning now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated in cross section a detailedview of the manifold recharge connector 377. The manifold rechargeconnection 377 is disposed vertically from an overhead span section 85and is positioned preferably half way between the ends of the manifold372 to which it is connected The upper end of the manifold rechargeconnection 377 connects to the seed and water main line 105. A ballvalve 388 is attached at the upper end of the connector 377 after theconnection to the line 105. A recharge tube 391 depends vertically fromthe ball valve 388. The recharge tube 391 has an internal ladder orbaffle system 394 illustrated in phantom. The ladder 394 defines off-setperpendicular ledges internal to the recharge tube 391. A double actionair cylinder 397 connects by an arm 400 to the ball valve 388. Acylinder mount 403 clamps to the recharge tube 391 and supports the aircylinder 397. An elbow connector 405 attaches at the lower end of therecharge tube 391 and a rubber flexible hose 408 connects the elbow 405to the seed distribution manifold 372.

FIG. 12 provides a detailed illustration of a portion of the seeddistribution manifold 372. The hose 408 from the manifold rechargeconnector 377 attaches to the inlet elbow 411 of the distributionmanifold 372. The elbow 411 couples to a tee connector 413 medial theends of the distribution manifold 372. A manifold pipe 415 extends fromeither end of the manifold tee 413. An upwardly extending elbow 418connects the accumulator 380 to the manifold pipe 415. In a preferredspecific embodiment, each accumulator is cylindrical and holds about twoliters A downwardly extending elbow 421 connects the manifold pipe 415to the tube valve 424 for the hydraulic planter unit (not illustrated inFIG. 12). The tube valve 424 has a port 427 which is coupled to thesupply of pressurized air 99 through a tube not illustrated. At each ofthe distal ends of the manifold pipe 415 is a tee connection 430. Thelower end of the tee 430 terminates in a drain valve 433, and coupled tothe upper end of the tee 430 is an air relief valve 436.

FIG. 13 provides a detailed illustration of the planter drop tube 384which is suspended from the seed distribution manifold 372. Eachmanifold 372 preferably supports a plurality of planter drop tubes 384,and in a preferred embodiment, the manifold has about 16 drop tubes 384.The illustrated drop tube 384 connects to the tube valve 424 by aflexible hose 439. The hose 439 is secured to the tube valve 424 and theupper end of the drop tube 384 by appropriate screw clamps 442. Thehydraulic trencher supply line 386 extends downwardly from the seeddistribution manifold 372 parallel to the planter drop tube 384 andterminates above the ground in a spray nozzle 457. Connected to thelower end of the drop tube 384 is the hydraulic planter unit 374 whichis better illustrated in FIG. 15. A metal manifold support member orchannel 443 connects to the span and tower irrigation system. Thepressurized water supply line 102 and the supply line 99 of pneumaticcontrol air for the tube valves 382 are supported by the U-shapedchannel 443.

The planter unit 374 (shown in detail in FIG. 15) connects to the lowerend of the drop tube 384. The unit 374 includes metal screen tube 445, aplanter shoe 448 and a pair of trench closers 451. An L-shaped mountingbracket 454 secures to the lower end of the drop tube 384 forward of thetube 445. A trenching nozzle 457 bolts in the bracket 454 and connectsto the hydraulic trencher supply line 386.

FIG. 25 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the planter drop tube 384which is suspended from the seed distribution manifold 372. Thisembodiment places a perforated tube 445a between the flex tube 439 andthe lower end of the drop tube 384.

FIG. 14A provides an orthographic view of one end of a seed distributionmanifold 372 supported from the span section 85 of a span and towerirrigation system. Illustrated are two sets of the seed drop tubes 384with their associated accumulators 380 connected to the manifold pipe415 and the associated trencher supply tubes 386. The manifold pipe 415connects to the channel support member 443 which also supports thepressurized air 99 and water 102 supply lines (not illustrated). Eachtrencher supply hose 386 is secured parallel to its drop hose andterminates in a solid stream nozzle 457.

FIG. 14B provides an orthographic view of the planter unit 374 whichconnects to the lower end of the drop tube 384. The perforated tube 445couples to the drop tube 384 together with the solid stream nozzle 457.The shoe 448 connects to the open end of the tube 445, and a trenchcloser 451 angles toward the furrow to push dirt over the seed as theirrigation system advances through the field.

FIG. 23 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the planter unit374 which connects at the lower end of the drop tube 384 of the presentinvention. The perforated metal screen 445 extends through the plantingshoe 448 to define a downward-facing opening parallel to the soilsurface. As illustrated in FIG. 24, the opening adjacent to the soilsurface is oval in shape. A furrow closer 525 defines an invertedV-shape closer in cross section having a wider opening transverse to thedirection of travel of the planter at the leading edge 526, than at theexit 527. In this embodiment, the trench closer 525 is secured to theperforated metal tube 455 by a chain 530. A furrow firmer 448 isdisposed at the lower end of the tube 445.

FIG. 26 is a detailed side view of an alternate planter unit 533 for usepreferably with the drop tube illustrated in FIG. 25. Secured to thelower end of the drop tube 384 is a knife blade 536 with an edge thatextends into the soil. A sled 539 is secured by a chain 541 to the lowerend of the drop tube 384. FIG. 27 provides a top view of this alternateembodiment for a planting shoe.

Still another alternate planting unit 543 is illustrated in FIG. 28.This alternate planting unit 543 preferably is disposed at the lower endof the alternate drop tube configuration illustrated in FIG. 25. Aninverted V-shape trench closer 546 is pivotally connected to the lowerend of the drop tube 384 at a pivot 549. The trench closer 546 asillustrated in FIG. 29 is wider at the opening end 551 than it is at theexit 553. The narrowing exit 553 of the trench closer 546 permitsdislodged soil to be pushed over the opened furrow to cover plantedseed.

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the tube valve 424 of the presentinvention. The tube valve 424 includes a rigid exterior tube 461 and aflexible interior tube 464 which has an outer diameter about equal tothe inner diameter of the exterior tube 461. A pair of flat seat hosebarbs 467 insert into the distal ends of the flexible tube 464.Appropriate slip couplers connect to the rigid tube 461: a male adaptorslip coupler 470 connects at one end and a female slip coupler 473connects at the other end. A threaded aperture 476 in the side wall ofthe rigid tube 461 receives an elbow 479. The end of the elbow 479 has ahose barb adapted to receive an air supply tube.

The planter shoe of the present invention is illustrated in a front viewin FIG. 17 and in a side view in FIG. 18. The shoe 448 defines aU-shaped plow which connects between the metal screen tube 445 and thetrench closers 451. The planter shoe 448 may be assembled from a sheetof 18 gauge galvanized steel folded to define a lower v-shapedprotrusion 491. In a preferred embodiment, the lower protrusion is about7/8 inch long and about 5/8 inch wide at its upper end. The side wallsof the upper portion 494 are about 11/4 inches apart at their widestpoint. The planter shoe itself is approximately 2 inches high. Asillustrated in FIG. 18, an aperture is drilled in both side walls of theupper portion 494. In a preferred embodiment, the aperture 497 has acenter where two lines intersect. These lines are parallel to the edgesof the planter shoe and are inset about a quarter of an inch from theedge. In a preferred, specific embodiment, the hole is about 3/16 inchin diameter.

An angled trench closer 451 is illustrated in a side view in FIG. 19.The front end of the end trench closer 451 has an aperture 500. Asillustrated in FIG. 20, the front end of the closer 451 has a bevelededge 503. Also, the trench closer 451 angles about 45 degrees around itslongitudinal axis. This twist occurs approximately in the middleone-third section 506 of the trench closer 451. The trench closer isangled to direct dislodged moist soil over the furrow

Turning now to FIG. 21, a bolt 509 inserts through the apertures 500 ofthe trench closer 451 and through the apertures 497 of the planter shoe.A nut 512 engages the threaded end of the bolt 509 to secure the pair oftrench closers 451 to the side walls of the planter shoe 448.

Apparatus of the present invention may be used with a variety of seedfor planting in a field. The field generally does not have to be plowedbefore planting; the invention may readily be used in no-till orlow-till applications. Types of crop seed which may be planted usingthis apparatus range from small wheat seeds to the larger corn kernels.It is not necessary that the seed be pregerminated; however, it has beenfound that pregerminating the seed or priming the seed provides the seeda head start when the seed is placed into a furrow in the field. Aprimed seed is one which is exposed to large volumes of water so thatthe seed may absorb the water before the seed is placed in the field. Aprimed seed will germinate, or sprout a radical, more quickly than anon-primed seed. Accordingly, the present invention provides a facilityto prime or pregerminate seeds for planting.

The combination germinator and seed/gel mixing tank 30 illustrated inFIG. 3 is first used to prime or pregerminate the crop seed. Valves 211,215, 218 and 219 are closed. The cap 150 is removed and seed isintroduced into the mixing tank 30. The seed in the tank 30 may then begerminated or primed. One method is to submerge the seed in water andslowly stir the water and seed with the mixing paddles. The water pump222 is started and is used to transfer water from the germination watersupply tank 207. The motor control 228 is switched on and the paddledrive motor 186 operates. The drive motor 186 turns the drive gear 189which is connected by a chain 192 to the shaft drive gear 195. Thehollow shaft 153 slowly turns, and the mixing paddles 169, 175 and 178slowly stir the water and seed. The water and seed mix may also beaerated. A preferred embodiment of the present invention uses the aircompressor 31 to force air or oxygen into the tank 30. The air entersthe hollow shaft 156 through the inlet 196. The air moves through theapertures 166 to the aeration vents 172 attached to the bottom mixingpaddle 169. Aeration further promotes mixing of the seed and the waterand promotes the priming or germinating process.

A second method of germinating the seed consists of spraying the seedperiodically with water from the spray nozzles 181. The periodicspraying maintains a moist environment in which the seed germinates.Again, the valves 215, 218 and 219 are closed, but the valve 211 may beleft open to drain water from the tank 30 through the return pipe 209into the germination water supply tank 207. An intermittent spraycontrol in the control box 228 activates the water pump 222 atpredetermined intervals for a selected amount of time. Water is pumpedfrom the germination water supply tank 207 and communicated through thepipe 225 to the inlet pipe 183. The pipe 183 connects to the spraynozzles 181 which are supported by the dome 147 of the tank 30. Thespray nozzles 181 are positioned in the upper portion of the tank 30over the seed to be germinated. As with the previous method, the drivemotor 186 may be operated at low revolutions per minute to turn slowlythe hollow shaft 153 and thus turn the mixing paddles 169, 175, and 178slowly through the moist seeds. Air or oxygen may be supplied throughthe hollow shaft 153 between the spray cycles using the air compressor31. A preferred embodiment has two spray nozzles 181; however,additional spray nozzles may be used in larger tanks as well. The supplyof water for the germinator may include an appropriate fungicide orother chemicals to aid germination and/or prevent seed degradation toprevent the growth of fungus while the seeds are germinating in themoist dark environment. Air or oxygen may be introduced to the tank 30through the inlet 196 of the hollow shaft 153. The water spray cycle,the oxygen or aeration cycle, and the paddle speed are all regulatedfrom a control box 228 at the germination facility 10.

Priming or pregerminating seed generally takes between about 10 andabout 24 hours but may vary with seed type and degree of germinationdesired. After the seed are primed, the valve 211 is opened to drain thewater from the tank 30 through the return pipe 209 into the germinationwater supply tank 207 or through another valve (not shown) to a wastedrain. The seed is then mixed with a gel to uniformly suspend the seedin the gel.

The present invention uses a gel solution to suspend and uniformlydistribute the seed. It is preferred that the seed be so suspended in agel solution to provide uniform distribution of the seed into thecarrier water and thus assure that the seed is substantially uniformlyplanted in the field. FIG. 2 illustrates the gel mixing tank 17 of thefacility 10 which is normally separate from the tower and span planter14 and the seed/gel injector trailer 12. A supply of a dry acrylamidecopolymer potassium acrylate gel, such as Terra-sorb GB available fromIndustrial Services International in Bradenton, Fla. is added to thetank 17 through an inlet 19. The inlet 19 is closed and an appropriateamount of water is added to the dry gel through the water inlet 21 togive the desired volume of gel with an adequate specific gravity forseed suspension. The high pressure roller pump 27 starts and pumps themixture through the recirculation pipe 125 to the jet agitators ormixing nozzles 127. These jet agitators 127 are positioned inside thetank 17 to cause a vigorous circulating motion in the tank.

After the gel is prepared, the valve 128 on the discharge side of thepump 27 is closed, and the valve 129 opened. The pump 27 is operated todirect the mixed gel from the tank 17 to the seed and gel mixing tank 30through the pipe 131.

A preferred embodiment of the gel mixing tank 17 is cylindrical and hasa capacity of about 200 gallons. The gel mixing tank 17 may be cleanedby opening valves 123, 128 and 129. Water entering the gel mixing tank17 through the inlet 21 circulates through the pump 27 and therecirculation pipe 125. This cleans the nozzles 127 and the interior ofthe tank. The cleaning water used to rinse the inside of the tank exitsthe tank 17 through the drain pipe 121 or out of the pipe 131, which forcleaning, is not connected to the tank 30.

Turning again to FIG. 3, after the seeds are primed or pregerminated asdiscussed above, the water is drained from the tank 30 through the valve211 and the return pipe 209 to the germination water supply tank 207.The water from the tank 30 may alternatively be directed to a wastedrain. The screen butterfly valve 202 keeps seed in the tank 30 butpermits the water to drain. The valve 211 is closed and the valves 215and 218 are opened. Gel from the gel mixing tank 17 is pumped by thepump 27 through the pipe 131 into the bottom of the mixing tank 30. Thevalves 215 and 218 are closed. The drive motor 186 again operates, andthe gel is mixed with the seed by the slowly turning mixing paddles 169,175 and 178.

After the seed is uniformly distributed into the gel solution, theseed/gel mixture is transferred to the seed and gel holding tank 64 onthe injection trailer 12 (see FIGS. 1 and 4). The removable cap 150(FIG. 3) is secured to the dome 147 of the tank 30 to provide a tightseal. The valves 215 and 219 are opened. The tank 30 is pressurized withcompressed air from the air compressor 31 located at the germinationfacility The air compressor 76 (see FIGS. 1 and 4) mounted on the seedinjection unit may be used to supplement the supply of compressed air topressurize the germinator tank 30. The compressed air enters thegerminator tank 30 through the hollow shaft 153. Pressurizing the tank30 forces the seed and gel mixture out the bottom of the tank 30 throughthe pipe 217 into the seed and gel tank 64 on the trailer 12.

Once the suspended seed and gel solution is placed in the seed and geltank 64 of the seed transport and injection trailer 12, the trailer 12may be connected to the control platform 82 of the mobile tower and spanapparatus 14 and planting begins. The seed/gel mixture is injected intoa pipe carrying a stream of water under pressure, distributed to seedingmanifolds suspended from elevated spans, and passed through drop tubesfor planting in the field.

The injection pump 67 of the present invention is better illustrated inFIGS. 5, 5A, 6 and 7. As described earlier, the pump 67 has dualcylinders 271 and 273 which operate as large opposing syringes. Asexplained previously, the dual cylinders in the pump 67 have identicalcomponents, and a suffix "a" is used to identify components associatedwith the cylinder 271. While one piston 276 is moving upwards, the otherpiston 276a is moving downward. The upward movement causes a vacuum inthe cylinder 273, which sucks or pulls the seed/gel mixture from thestorage tank 64; the downward movement forces the seed/gel mixture fromthe cylinder 271 into the pressurized water transport system.

The cylinders 271 and 273 stand vertically and are perpendicular to thepipe and valve arrangement 321 illustrated in FIG. 7. The ports 309 ofthe cylinders 271 and 273 connect to the apertures 327 in the branchtubes 324. The seed/gel inlet port 323 connects the parallel branches324 to the seed/gel supply tank 64. The seed/gel input control valves328 in each branch 324 between the aperture 327 and the inlet port 323are oppositely controlled, i.e., ball valve 328 is open when ball valve328a is closed. The seed/gel outlet valves 329 in each branch 324between the aperture 327 and the seed/gel outlet port 326 also areoppositely controlled, i.e., when ball valve 329 is open, ball valve329a is closed. Note that the input ball valve 328 has an open or closedstatus opposite to that of its companion ball valve 328a and opposite tothat of its associated outlet ball valve 329.

The ball valves 328 and 329 are operated by double acting air cylinders330. The piston arm 332 of the air cylinder 330 couples to the arm 331of the ball valves. A four-way solenoid activated air valve 333 controlsthe opening and closing of the inlet valves 328 and the outlet valves329. FIG. 7 further illustrates with dashed lines a schematic of the aircontrol hoses coupled to the air cylinders 330.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the dual cylinder/seed gel injector pump 67. Thevariable speed DC motor 313 mounts to the upper frame 292 and operatesto turn a sprocket 315. The drive chain 316 engages the teeth of thesprocket 311 which is rigidly mounted to the shaft 296. The pinion gears299 mount approximately halfway between the sprocket 311 and the ends ofthe shaft 296. The pinion gear 299 engages the rack 279 which forms thepiston shaft in the cylinder. The sprocket 311 driven by the motor 313turns the shaft 296 to move one rack 279 either up or down while theother rack 279a moves in the opposite direction. Simultaneous movementin opposite directions arises because, as illustrated in FIG. 6, therack 279 is on one side of the pinion 299 while the other rack 279a ison the opposite side of its associated pinion gear 299a.

A preferred, specific embodiment of the dual cylinder pump usescylinders 271 and 273 made of acrylic tubing having about a four and onehalf inch outer diameter with a three eighths inch wall. The thirty inchtall cylinders are each secured between the upper and lower mountingplates by six circumferentially disposed tie-rods. These rods have afive sixteenth inch diameter and are threaded so that the mountingplates may be bolted to the tie rods. The drive motor 313 preferablyuses direct current, and in the preferred, specific embodiment, is aboutone eighth horsepower. The motor drive gear 315 is a 40×12 toothsprocket and the gear 311 is a 40×60 tooth sprocket. The pinion gear 299is a 12-18 sprocket, and the rack has three-fourth inch, 12 point squareteeth. The piston coupled to the rack is preferably machined delrin withopposing nylon seals. All of the air cylinders used in the valvingnetwork 321 have double acting pistons. A preferred specific embodimentuses a piston with a one and one half inch bore and a four inch stroke.

The operation of the dual cylinder injection pump 67 is more readilyunderstood by reference to FIG. 8 which is a schematic of the injectionpump 67 of the present invention. In cycle 1, the drive motor 313 isrotating clockwise. The rack 279 of the cylinder 273 is moving up whilethe rack 279a of the cylinder 271 is pushing the piston 276a downward.The inlet valve 328a is closed and the inlet valve 328 is open. Theupward movement of the piston 276 in the cylinder 273 pulls seed and gelfrom the supply tank 64 through the inlet port 323, past the valve 328,through the port 309 and into the cylinder 273. At the same time, thecompanion cylinder 271 is injecting seed/gel into a stream of courierwater. To do this, the output ball valve 329 is in a closed position andthe output ball valve 329a for the cylinder 271 is in an open position.The piston 276a connected to the rack 279a is moving downward and pushesseed and gel from the cylinder 271 through the port 309a, past the ballvalve 329a and through the outlet 326 and the pipe 252 into thepressurized seed and water line 105.

When the stop 307 touches the limit switch 305, the drive motor 313stops and then reverses the direction of rotation to a clockwisedirection. The four-way valve 333 operates to reverse the position ofthe input and output ball valves 328 and 329. Valve 328 closes whilevalve 328a opens. Also, valve 329 is opened and valve 329a is closed.The piston 276 begins moving downward pushed by the rack 279. The seedand gel from the cylinder 273 is pushed through the port 309, past thevalve 329 and into the pressurized seed and water line 105 through theport 326 and the pipe 252. Simultaneously, seed and gel from the supplytank 64 is pulled through the inlet port 323 past the open valve 328,through the port 309a into the cylinder 271. The upward movement of thepiston 276a continues until the limit stop 307a engages the stop switch305a.

This process of alternately filling and emptying the cylinders 271 and273 of seed/gel continues while the planter unit 14 moves through thefield. A preferred embodiment of the present invention with four inchdiameter cylinders has an injection rate ranging from about 0.02 toabout 1.2 gallons per minute.

After the seed and gel are injected into the carrier water, the waterand seed is conveyed through the pipe 105 along the span sectionsbetween the elevated towers. The span sections support the controlsignal conduit 96, the pressurized air supply line 99, the water supplymanifold 102 and the seed and water supply line 105 as illustrated inthe FIG. 10 schematic. This schematic illustrates the control and fluidflow lines for a plurality of drop tube planters hanging from anelevated span section to the ground. A preferred embodiment of thepresent invention has two planter subsystems or manifolds for each span,and each planter subsystem has sixteen drop tube planters. Asubstantially higher number of drop tubes per manifold may result insignificant pressure drops across the manifold and uniform seeddistribution may suffer.

The distribution manifold 372 includes the manifold recharge pipe 377,the accumulators 380, and the distribution pipe 415 down to the tubevalves 382. This portion of each subsystem may be isolated andseparately pressurized since the tube valves 382 are generally closed asthe planter 14 moves through the field. The tube valves 382 open foronly a fraction of a second to discharge the water and seed from themanifold. The drop tubes 384 and the hydraulic planting unit 374depending from the tube valve 382, however, forms an open conduit fromthe tube valve 382 to the ground. The seed and water traveling throughthe conduit 105 enter the manifold recharge connection 377. Since thetube valves 382 are closed, the water and seed travels from the rechargeconnection 377 into the distribution manifold 372. The water gathers inthe accumulators 380 and the seed is distributed along the distributionpipe 415. Recharging a manifold typically takes from about less than onesecond to about five seconds or more, depending on the carrier waterpressure. When the manifold 372 is recharged, the valve 388 between therecharge connection 377 and the conduit 105 closes to isolate thepressurized manifold 372. The tube valves 382 then open, and the water,under the pressure in the accumulators 380, discharges through themanifold 372 carrying the seed in the manifold pipe 415 into and throughthe tube valves 382, through the planter drop tubes 384 and to thehydraulic planter units 374. The hydraulic planter unit 374 opens thefurrow, deposits the seed in the furrow and closes the furrow.

FIG. 11 provides a detailed illustration of the manifold rechargeconnector 377. A ball valve 388 opens and closes due to the action ofthe air actuated cylinder 397. When the ball valve 388 is open, seed andwater from the conduit 105 enters the manifold recharge connector 377.In a preferred embodiment, the manifold connector 377 is about two feetlong and vertically disposed from the span section. The water and seedtravels down through the recharge tube 391. Offset perpendicular ledges394 form a ladder internal to the recharge tube 391, and the ledges 394provide a place for seed to settle so that it remains substantiallyevenly distributed. The turbulence of the water flow through the tube391 also helps redistribute the seed along the ladder 394 in the tube391. The ladder 394 prevents seed from accumulating at the bottom of thetube 391 and blocking the elbow 405.

The carrier water is pressurized by the pump 42 on the seed injectiontrailer 12 so the water and seed are pushed through the tube 391 andtravel through the flexible hose 408 into the distribution manifold 372which is illustrated in FIG. 12. The hose 408 connects to the elbowconnector 411. The seed and water distribute themselves along the pipe415, and the water also gathers in the accumulators 380. Since the seedand water which enters the manifold 372 from the conduit 105 is underpressure, the water in the manifold 372 pressurizes the air in theaccumulators 380. The seed settles out of the water and distributesitself along the manifold pipe 415. As noted previously, the tube valve424 is closed since the port 427 is receiving air under pressure fromthe pressurized air conduit 99. Pressurized air keeps the tube valve 424closed and permits the manifold to be pressurized with water and seed.The preferred embodiment of the present invention for use in a fieldhaving furrows on 40 inch centers positions each accumulator 380approximately 20 inches from its associated drop tube 384. Generally theaccumulators are placed on the manifold pipe 415 about halfway betweenadjacent furrow centers, or thus halfway between the adjacent plantingdrop tubes 384. Each drop tube planter has an accumulator 380, a tubevalve 382, a planter drop tube 384, a hydraulic planter unit 374, and ahydraulic trencher supply line 386 which leads to the nozzle forexcavating a furrow.

The elements of the drop tube planter are shown in FIG. 13. A preferredembodiment of the apparatus includes the aluminum channel support member443 which holds the air manifold tube 99 and the water manifold hose 102on the span section. The seed distribution manifold 372 also mounts tothe support member. A 90 degree elbow connector 421 angled downwardconnects the seed distribution manifold pipe 415 with the tube valve424. A smaller elbow connector 427 attached to the tube valvecommunicates air from the pressurized supply of air 99 through tubinginto the tube valve 424. The air under pressure keeps the tube valve 424closed. When the tube valve 424 opens, water under pressure in themanifold 372 pushes the seed distributed along the manifold pipe 415through the tube valve 424. Gravity further assists discharge from themanifold 372. The seed and water travel down the drop tube 384 to theplanter unit 374 attached to the bottom of the drop tube 384.

With reference to FIG. 15, the water enters the perforated metal screentube 445. The force of the water dissipates by discharging through theperforations in the tube 445. The seed 449 is carried in the tube 445and deposited in a furrow cut by a high pressure stream of water fromthe trenching nozzle 457. A planter shoe 448 secured at the distal endof the tube 445 includes a protrusion 491 which widens and firms thetrench cut by the nozzle 457. As the planter unit 14 continues to movethrough the field, the trench closers 451 bolted to the shoe 448 passalong the side of and over the furrow. One trench closer 451 is on eachside of the furrow. The closers 451 are angled towards each other andpush some of the dirt displaced from the furrow back over the furrow tocover the seed.

An alternate embodiment of the planter unit 374 is illustrated in FIG.23. In this embodiment, the seed traveling through the drop tube 384exits the perforated tube 445 through an oval opening on the lower sideof the tube 445 parallel to the soil surface. The trench closer 525 ofthis alternate embodiment has in cross section an inverted V-shape. Thetrench closer 525 narrows towards the exit 527 to force dislodged soilfrom the sides of the furrow back over the furrow to cover the seed.

The accumulator system permits a pressurized discharge from the manifoldwhile the manifold is closed to the main water/seed supply 105. Theaccumulator 380 is a small pressure tank and is available for each droptube. During the recharging process with the tube valves 424 closed, theincoming water gathers in the accumulator 380, compressing the air andgiving the desired pressure necessary to discharge the desired quantityof water and seed. The incoming seed remains in the manifold pipeline415 and approximately the same number of seed should be located betweeneach accumulator 380 and its respective discharge port 421 and valve424. To discharge the manifold, the tube valves 424 on a manifold openin unison for a fraction of a second by a controller which momentarilyvents the air pressure entering the tube valve 424 through the connector427. Opening the tube valve 424 flushes the manifold in the directionfrom the accumulator 380 to the drop tube 384. The water flushes themanifold pipe 415 of seed in that section of pipe. It is preferred thatonly one seed be discharged per tube per cycle, but may not be possiblefor close seeded crops such as grain sorghum.

Apparatus of the present invention preferably uses a microprocessorcontroller for timing and sequencing of the various operations performedby the apparatus. The injection trailer 12 includes the electronicinjection controller 70. This controller 70 controls the operation ofthe dual cylinder pump 67 and the injection of seed/gel into thepressurized water stream. The controller 70 also includes switches toactivate and operate the air compressor 76 and the water pump 73. Amicroprocessor controller 91 is located on the control platform 82. Thecontroller 91 provides overall sequencing and control of the seeddistribution by the planter manifolds. As noted earlier, each spansection in a preferred embodiment has two manifolds 85, and eachmanifold supports 16 drop tubes. Typical large mobile span and wheeledtower irrigation systems have many span sections, and combined can reachup to one-half a mile in total length. Such an irrigation devicereaching one-half a mile may have about 16 to 20 spans.

The controller 91 communicates with a subsystem or a manifold controlbox 373 on each manifold 372. The subsystem control station 373 includestwo solenoid activated valves: a four way spool valve which controls therecharge ball valve in the manifold connector and a three way pilotvalve which controls the tube valves 424 in the drop tubes 384. Thecontroller 91 opens the ball valve 388 to allow seed and water from thesupply line 105 to charge the manifold 373 for a programmable period oftime. The signal from the microprocessor 91 to the subsystem stationactivates a valve which controls the air cylinder 397. After themanifold is charged, the cylinder 397 operates and closes the ball valve388. A programmed delay period then occurs. This provides an opportunityfor the water and the seed to settle in the accumulators 380 and thepipe 415 of the manifold 372. The controller 91 then signals the pilotvalve in the manifold subsystem controller 373 to vent the air pressurefrom the tube valves 424 in the manifold 372. Venting the pilot valvereleases the air pressure traveling to the tube valves 424 through theports 427. The collapsed latex tube in each tube valve 424 opens, andthe water and seed discharges from the accumulator 380 and the pipe 415.The discharge occurs very quickly, and the microprocessor 91 thensignals the pilot valve to stop venting, and reapply air pressurethrough the port 427 of the tube valves 424. This air pressure collapsesthe latex tube of each tube valve and seals the drop tubes 384 from themanifold 372. The charging and discharge periods may then occur again.The microprocessor 91 controls such charge and discharge operations ateach manifold 372 along the line of spans and towers

Turning now to FIG. 13, the flexibility of the planting apparatus of thepresent invention is illustrated. In a preferred embodiment, a shortlength of rubber hose 439 connects the pvc drop tube 384 with the tubevalve 424. An aluminum channel support member 443 hanging from the spansection 85 contains the air manifold tube 99 and the pressurized watermanifold hose 102. The air manifold in a preferred, specific embodimentis 1/4" tubing while the water manifold is a 1/2" hose. The tubing 386which connects to the water manifold hose is a 3/8" polyethylene tube.Other similar flexible hoses could be used as well. The flexibleconnection of the drop tube 384 to the span section 85 providesflexibility necessary to plant on uneven terrain. The drop tube 384 mayswing in an arc upwards of about 40 or more degrees from the vertical.

It is important that the seed distribution and planting process use anappropriate metering valve 424 for each drop tube 382. The valve 424must be capable of fast actuation, be nondestructive to the seed, and beable to seal the bottom of the manifold 372 to permit pressurization ofthe manifold 372. FIG. 16 provides an exploded detailed view of the tubevalve 424 of the present invention. The preferred embodiment uses athree quarter inch diameter PVC pipe around three and one-half incheslong. The aperture 476 is drilled in the side wall of the pipe half waybetween the top and bottom of the length of pipe. The interior tubing464 of the tube valve 424 in a preferred, specific embodiment is aone-half inch latex tube with a three thirty-second inch wall thickness.The tubing is about three and three-eighths inches long. This thin walllatex tubing is inserted into the PVC pipe which makes up the valve 424.Compressed air feeding into the valve 424 through the elbow 479compresses the latex tubing to close the valve 424. The pressure of thecompressed air for the valve 424 in a preferred embodiment is about 30pounds per square inch. The air pressure injected into the tube valve424 must be sufficient to collapse the interior latex tube and also tooffset the pressure from the seed and water supply pipe 105 while themanifold is being recharged. In an alternate embodiment, electricallyoperated valves may replace the air actuated tube valves 424 of thepresent invention.

The planter unit 374 connects to the lower end of the drop tube 384. Apreferred, specific embodiment of the present invention uses 14 gaugesteel to make the perforated metal screen tube 445. One-eighth inchround holes are drilled with three-sixteenth inch staggered centers. Thesteel is then rolled to a one-inch inner diameter to form the tube 445.As illustrated in FIG. 15, the tube 445 makes an angle of about 130°with respect to the drop tube 384. The perforated metal screen angledfrom the vertical forms a chute to dissipate most of the water andabsorb the kinetic energy of the water and seed falling through the droptube 384. This allows the seed to flow smoothly through the tube 445 andthe planter shoe 448 into the furrow. Without the angled perforatedtube, seeds may be washed from the trench by the volume and velocity ofthe carrier water. It is contemplated that the perforated tube 445 couldmake an angle of between about 100 and about 160 degrees and stillperform satisfactorily.

The planter shoe 448 illustrated in FIG. 15 attached to the distal endof the screen tube 445 has a protrusion 491 which widens and firms thetrench or furrow cut by the trenching nozzle 457. The trenching nozzleforms a furrow by emitting a solid stream of water at pressures betweenabout 15 and 40 psi. The pressure used depends on the desired depth ofthe furrow and the soil conditions at planting time.

FIG. 25 illustrates a more preferred embodiment of the drop tube 384which depends from the manifold 372 of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the perforated tube 445a is disposed at the upper end of thedrop tube 384 adjacent to the flex hose 439. It is contemplated thatpositioning the perforated tube 445a between the tube valve and thelower end of the drop tube 384 will permit the water to dissipate itsenergy further away from the furrow and reduce the opportunity for thecarrier water to wash the seed from the furrow. An alternate embodimentcontrols water flow through the perforated tube with a ring (notillustrated) which slides axially on the perforated tube 445a. It iscontemplated that the ring may be positioned closer to the flex tube 439to encourage more water to travel down the tube 384. Positioning thering closer to the top of the tube 384 may permit more water to exit thetube 445a where it connects to the flex tube 439. Thus the planter maybe adjusted to provide more water with seed which are not carried easilythrough the drop tube 384 to the planting units near the soil. Otherseed may require a greater volume of carrier water. A preferredembodiment of the alternate embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25 has theperforated screen 445a connected to the lower end of the flex hose 439.However, an alternate embodiment may have the perforated tube 445disposed between the flex hose 439 and the lower end of the drop tube384.

The alternate embodiment of the drop tube 384 illustrated in FIG. 25 mayuse the alternate planter units 533 or 543 as illustrated in FIGS. 26and 28. The alternate planter unit 533 illustrated in FIG. 26 drags asled or plate 539 behind the drop tube 384. The sled 539 is secured tothe lower end of the drop tube 384 by the chain 541. The knife blade 536mounted to the leading side of the drop tube 384 opens the furrow. Anedge of the knife 536 extends into the soil to cut a small trench orfurrow as the system moves through the field. It is contemplated thatthis embodiment of a planter unit may not need the trenching nozzle 457which communicates to a supply of water under pressure through a tube386. Thus, using the blade 536 on the lower end of the drop tube 384 toopen the furrow could possibly eliminate from the structure of thepresent invention the pressurized water supply manifold 102.

FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment of a planterunit for use with the drop tube illustrated in FIG. 25. This embodimentuses the trenching nozzle 457 mounted to the leading side of the droptube 384 to cut the furrow. The trench closer 543 illustrated in topview in FIG. 29 has an inverted V-shape in cross section. The front endof the closer 546 connects at the pivot 549 to the lower end of the droptube 384. The pivot 549 permits the trench closer 546 to move up anddown in response to soil conditions. The trailing end 553 of the trenchcloser 546 is narrower transverse to the direction of travel of theplanting unit than is the opening end 551. This permits the trenchcloser 546 to push dislodged soil back over the furrow to cover theseed.

The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of thepresent invention have been described in the foregoing specification.The invention is not to be construed as limited to the particular formsdisclosed, since these are regarded as illustrative rather thanrestrictive. Moreover, variations and changes may be made by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention asdescribed by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seed distribution manifold supported on a pipespan-and-tower irrigation system, comprising:a first horizontal disposedconduit manifold extending along and suspended from the span on theirrigation system; a second horizontally disposed conduit mounted on thespan above the first conduit and adapted to convey a supply of seed incarrier water; a vertically disposed manifold recharge pipe connected atits lower end to the first conduit medial the conduit ends and connectedat its upper end to the second conduit; a first valve in the manifoldrecharge pipe to regulate flow therethrough; at least one outlet pipe influid communication with and depending from the first conduit towardsthe ground; at least one accumulator in fluid communication with andextending upwardly from the first conduit; and a second valve disposedin each outlet pipe to control flow of seed and water through the outletpipe.
 2. The manifold of claim 6 further comprising a programmablecontroller operable to sequence the first and second valve operations toclose each second valve before the first valve is opened and to openeach second valve after the first valve is closed.
 3. A seeddistribution manifold as recited in claim 1, wherein the recharge pipeis internally configured to agitate the mixture of carrier water andseed to promote suspension of the seed in the carrier water.
 4. A seeddistribution manifold as recited in claim 1, wherein the recharge pipeis internally baffled.